For K.J. Henry, Signing Day was about something much more important

"There's something in these hills" is the famous quote about Clemson that echo's through the university's history.

In 1934, Joe Sherman wrote the poem that for many proud Clemson fans and graduates signifies why they love Clemson.

Signing Day is an important day for high school players across the country. It's the culmination of the blood, sweat, and tears athletes put in through the years to get a chance to play the game they love and further their education.

Hat tricks, switch-a-roos, even live animals have been used through the years to make the life-changing decision.

Many have criticized how big signing day has become. It's a spectacle some fans would rather not witness. The charades and antics began to steal from the significance of the moment. 

Not in Clemmons, North Carolina. Not for KJ Henry‍.

Wednesday afternoon, Henry’s signing day ceremony wasn’t about himself.

There were no hats, no animals, no games. Only a player and a coach sharing a special moment.

Pat Murphy, an assistant coach at West Forsyth, has lived with a mental disability since birth. His 80-year old father, Joe, drives Murphy to school every afternoon so he can do the job he loves.

Murphy has been a part of West Forsyth’s program for 26 years.

Henry, the No. 3 defensive end and No. 5 prospect overall in ESPN’s top 300, was a name that almost every school in the country wanted. His decision came down to Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech.

Before signing his name on a dotted line, Henry showed the nation what kind of a person Clemson was getting.

Henry stood on stage at his high school and addressed the crowd. He didn’t look nervous and was very well spoken with the microphone in his hand.

He then invited coach Murphy on to the stage to give him the spotlight. He congratulated the assistant coach for winning the CPC Coach of the Year award.

Murphy stood side by side with Henry. They both had their arms around each other as if they were brothers. Murphy couldn’t stop smiling.

“Coach Murph has been a huge part of my everyday life here,” Henry said. “He puts a smile on my face. Obviously, in high school, it is hard to come to school every day. He makes it enjoyable.”

Henry then turned to his coach, his friend.

“You want to tell them where we’re going?” Henry asked. “Yep,” Murphy answered.

Henry leaned down to Murphy and whispered in his ear.

“Clemson University!” Murphy exclaimed. Henry unzipped his black pullover to reveal a Clemson football shirt as Murphy handed him a Clemson visor.

In return, Henry placed a Clemson tiger paw hat on Murphy’s head. The two stood there smiling with their Clemson gear on amidst a thunderous applause.

No matter what team you cheer for, that was an awesome moment.

ESPN College Football Recruiting Coordinator Craig Haubert has helped set up Signing Day ceremonies since 2006. He said Henry’s announcement would stand out to him for a long time.

“I texted his mother last night to say congrats, and that was one of the most memorable announcements I have ever seen unfold for all the right reasons,” Haubert said.

Henry reminds Haubert of Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell and his athletic mold.

“You see a kid who is not only a tremendous athlete, but you see what you are getting and the type of player and presence he can be around your community,” Haubert said. “(Clemson) hit it out of the park.”

The 5-star defensive end with a 5-star heart will fit in quite nicely with Dabo Swinney and his program. Swinney has always been adamant about recruiting individuals, not players.

Henry is already so far ahead of the curve as a teenager. His Signing Day ceremony is a perfect example. No matter what he does on the field, his Clemson Family will embrace the type of person he is the moment he steps on campus.

Sherman sums it up perfectly: "Yes, there's something in these hills where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness."